Water classified as Category 3 carries bacteria and pathogens that household cleaners can't eliminate. Stopping the spread, extracting the mess, and disinfecting the space all demand proper containment and protective gear.
Sewage cleanup means extracting and disinfecting water that originates from a backed-up sewer, overflowing toilet, or failed drain. Unlike a simple leak from a supply line, this fluid harbors bacteria, viruses, and additional pathogens. That is why crews must wear protective gear, establish containment, and complete rigorous disinfection.
A local technician pumps out the contaminated water, tears out porous items like saturated carpet or drywall that cannot be salvaged, and treats all surfaces with strong disinfectants. Afterward, they deodorize and fully dry the area so your family or staff can reoccupy it without risk.
Call immediately — and keep people and pets away — if you have:
In Reno, sewage backups frequently stem from the same culprits behind other water damage: intense summer thunderstorms that flood storm drains, and old plumbing corroded by decades of use. When a stubborn deluge hits neighborhoods from Old Southwest to Sparks faster than pipes can clear it, waste water can bubble up through floor drains and basement fixtures.
Houses in older Reno neighborhoods with original clay or cast-iron sewer lines face higher risks of cracks and clogs. Whatever the cause, contaminated water demands a professional response — not because pumping it out is hard, but because every step must protect your health through safe handling and disinfection.
The affected space is isolated to protect the rest of your property.
Pumps and extractors clear the wastewater safely.
Porous, contaminated materials are removed and discarded properly.
Hospital-grade disinfectants sanitize every affected surface.
Odors are eliminated and the area dried so it's safe to use again.
We do not recommend doing this yourself. Sewage contains bacteria and pathogens that create serious health hazards. Proper cleanup takes protective equipment, containment, and professional disinfectants. Keep people and pets away and call for professional help.
Stay away from the water, keep kids and pets out of the room, and stop using any fixtures tied to the compromised drain line. If you can do so safely, turn off the water supply to the fixture that is overflowing. After that, hand the situation over to a local professional.
Hard, non-porous belongings can generally be washed and sanitized. Absorbent materials such as carpet, padding, and sections of drywall that have soaked up contaminated water usually need to be torn out for health reasons. A local technician will give you straight answers about what stays and what goes.
Need something else? Head back to our home page or our residential services hub. You may also need Water Extraction or Mold Remediation.
Call us 24/7 and we will connect you with a local Reno pro who can respond quickly. Honest guidance, no pressure.
